The rehabilitation process in Dharavi’s Sector 6 has moved forward after 61 of 85 hutment owners at Ganesh Nagar-Meghwadi agreed to vacate their structures voluntarily for the redevelopment project.
The residents have signed rental agreements as part of the relocation process, while the remaining 24 families have been given time until September 10 to complete the required formalities and vacate their homes.
The latest development is expected to help the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) clear land required for construction of rehabilitation buildings. Earlier, 16 hutments had been identified for demolition. Four of these were demolished with police assistance around two weeks ago after repeated attempts to obtain residents’ cooperation were unsuccessful.
Land Clearance to Support Rehabilitation
According to a senior DRP official, the growing participation of residents represents an important step towards freeing up land for rehabilitation construction.
The DRP said 2,702 families in Sector 6 have so far signed rental agreements, while 1,729 families have already vacated their existing homes.
Senior officials recently held discussions with residents and representatives from Sector 6 to address concerns surrounding relocation and the redevelopment process.
DRP Appeals for Cooperation
“For Sector-6 residents and residents from other areas, the link is now becoming clearer that early cooperation will allow rehab construction to start early and speed up the project allowing the families to move into their new homes quickly. Most residents are in full support of redevelopment. Only a few become victims of rumour mongering and false propaganda. We encourage every Dharavikar to seek clarity directly from either DRP or ANDPL officials. We will continue to hold discussions with residents with emphasis on counselling, addressing concerns and securing voluntary cooperation wherever possible,” a senior DRP official said.
Residents who have already shifted to rented accommodation have also urged others to complete the relocation process, arguing that timely cooperation could accelerate construction of rehabilitation homes.
Under the rental arrangement, families that sign the agreement and move out receive one year’s rent through a demand draft, along with a one-time shifting allowance and one month’s brokerage. The monthly rent is subsequently increased by 5 per cent and, from the 13th month, transferred directly to the Head of the Household’s bank account.
The payments continue until residents are handed possession of their rehabilitation homes. The latest agreements are expected to further facilitate land clearance and advance redevelopment work in Dharavi’s Sector 6.
Source: The Free Press Journal
